Dougie's Doggy Development

08/18/2021

06/11/2021

Separation Anxiety and preparing for getting back to work!

As we come closer to the end of our lock downs, and prepare to physically go back into work, please be sure to prepare your pups as well!

Our furry family members have been used to being with us 24/7 for over a year now and some of them may need preparation for being left alone for a longer period of time. Some dogs can have severe separation anxiety, and displace this emotion through unwanted behaviour. Scratching the door, continuous barking or whining, chewing furniture or clothes are just a few examples.

Prepare them now, so that they are ready. One exercise to practice with them is an extended sit and stay. Have Buddy sit on their bed and ask them to "stay", while you walk out of the room for 5-10 seconds. Come back into the room. If Buddy is still calm and relaxed on his bed, reward him with lots of love and attention. Repeat this until Buddy is perfect with that time frame. Then extend the period of time you are out of his sight. Once you feel Buddy is comfortable with you out of sight, move on to going out the front door. Again, begin with a short time frame and slowly increase the amount of time you are outside (and out of his sight).

Once you have been out for lengthy periods of time, Buddy may be bored and no longer on his bed when you return. This can be okay, as long as he is calm you have both achieved your goal.

I strongly recommend walking Buddy before leaving for work in the morning as well. This will assist in tiring Buddy out, and getting rid of some of that excess energy for a few hours. Hiring a walker would also assist with the separation anxiety, as Buddy would both get exercise in the middle of the day, and company.

05/09/2021

& !

05/05/2021

It is Flea and Tick Season - in case you don't have a monkey, be sure to speak with your veterinarian regarding alternative methods!

04/19/2021

Yet another reason dogs rule!

04/06/2021

Who's the boss? Part 2

As mentioned last week, to evade unwanted behaviour, it is imperative, with most breeds, that there is a hierarchy in the home with humans being at the top.

To ensure they perceive you as the leader of the pack, here are easy exercises which you can implement:

If you generally eat at the same time as Trixie, ensure that you and your family eat first. Then, once you've finished, feed Trixie. The Leader always eats first.

It's not usually recommended to allow dogs on the furniture (especially on the bed) BUT if you don't mind them on the couch, just make sure they work for it. Ensure Trixie is always working for her reward. For example, have her sit and stay on the ground until you invite her to come up onto the couch.

Watch her paws! When Trixie rests her paw on you, as cute as it is, she is showing you she's the boss or that she owns you.
Note: Patting you with her paw is just her way of getting your attention, RESTING her paw is ownership. All you have to do is rest your hand on her, and watch how fast she will either remove her paw or try and put her paw on your hand. Just make sure your hand is always on top. You may have also noticed that they will do this with each other to claim dominance, especially puppies!

04/04/2021

Be sure to take your for a lovely walk today. And have a Very Happy Easter! 💐🐥🐰

03/30/2021

Who's the boss? Part 1

It is tricky to train Trixie, if she doesn't see you as her Alpha, or Leader of the pack. With some breeds it is imperative that there is a hierarchy with the humans at the top. These breeds can cause unwanted behaviour (eating clothes, damaging furniture, no recall) if they don't recognize you as the Alpha. They need leadership.

To ensure they perceive you as the leader of the pack, here is the first easy exercise which you can implement:
Always make sure you are in front of them. If you are going up or down staircases - make sure you are in front. Going through door ways - make sure you are in front (especially in and out of the home). If you are going for a leashed walk - make sure you are in front of them (they can also walk beside you but NOT ahead).

Enjoy the weather and look for Part 2 next week!

03/19/2021

is finally arrived! What awaits us next week! And lots of ! Here I am giving Mabel a wipe down!

03/16/2021

When planning to take Fido for a walk, leave yourself extra time. If you are stressed about getting back in time, Fido will show anxiety too.

03/09/2021

Terminology continued;

A reminder that in training situations, the term "positive" and "negative" does not refer to "good" or "bad". It refers to the mathematical term in which something is "added" or "taken away" to/from the situation.

That in mind, here are two terms used for correcting unwanted behaviour:

POSITIVE PUNISHMENT is correcting unwanted behaviour by adding something to the situation. Eg. Correcting Rover by using a spray bottle to mist him with a spray of water (adding water to the situation). This of course is only an example as some dogs LOVE this. Another example could be to put some pennies in a plastic water bottle and shake it. Generally most dogs aren't a fan of the irritating and loud sound.

NEGATIVE PUNISHMENT is correcting unwanted behaviour by taking something away or out of the situation. Eg. Rover is showing unwanted behaviour to get your attention, simply take your attention away from him. If Rover is constantly barking at you for no apparent reason, don't look at him and ignore him. He will eventually stop, then wait until he is relaxed and quiet for a period of time, and then reward him with calm praise. If you praise him too soon he may think you are rewarding him for the barking.

Good luck everyone, remember to be calm and patient with our furry loved ones!